GC Makeup Gas Flow Checks for Leak and Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas chromatography (GC) instruments require manual quality control checks that are time-consuming and prone to operator-dependent errors, which can lead to inaccurate gas composition measurements due to assembly issues, leaks, and degradation during transportation and setup at drilling rigs.
Innovation Solution
An automated quality control method for GC instruments at drilling rigs, using a multiport valve and electronic controller to perform leak and obstruction checks by comparing chromatograms at different gas flow rates, ensuring accurate and reliable gas composition analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual quality control checks are performed by dismounting the analyzer, then flow and pressure verification can be conducted, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires off-site service by highly skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The GC instrument performs self-diagnosis by automatically comparing chromatograms obtained at different makeup gas flow rates to detect leaks and obstructions in the makeup flow line, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and off-site technician service
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated electronic system that uses chromatogram comparison algorithms to detect flow line issues, converting a hands-on mechanical process into an automated electronic diagnostic system
2Ease of repair
If the GC instrument is transported back to the rig after quality checks, then service can be completed, but the instrument is subject to shock and vibration as well as temperature gradients that can degrade performance and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs quality control checks at the rig site before transportation occurs, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues before the instrument is subjected to shock, vibration, and temperature gradients during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The automated QC method detects and alerts operators to potential leaks or obstructions before transportation, allowing corrective actions to be taken in advance to prevent performance degradation during the vulnerable transport period
3Reliability
If automated quality control methods are implemented at the rig site, then transportation and setup issues can be avoided, but additional equipment such as multiport valve and electronic controller are required
Solution Approach 1:
The multiport valve serves multiple functions: it routes makeup gas to the detector manifold during normal operation and redirects gas flow during quality control checks, allowing a single component to perform both operational and diagnostic functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the quality control diagnostic function with the existing GC instrument operations by integrating the multiport valve into the existing gas flow system, merging diagnostic capabilities with operational functions rather than adding completely separate systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures accurate and reliable gas composition measurements by identifying leaks and obstructions in the GC system without disassembly, improving the integrity and performance of the GC apparatus at the rig site.
Implementation Method 1
Gas chromatography (GC) is often used to separate and analyze the liberated gases
Implementation Method 2
a flame ionization detector (FID) coupled to the detector manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A method for quality control checking a gas chromatography apparatus at a rig site, the GC apparatus including at least a main column and a makeup flow line in fluid communication with a detector manifold. The GC apparatus measures a first chromatogram of a gas sample with a first makeup gas flow rate and a second chromatogram of the gas sample with a second makeup gas flow rate, wherein the second makeup gas flow rate is greater than the first makeup gas flow rate. The elution times of at least one common peak in the first and second chromatograms are compared to indicate a leak or an obstruction in the makeup flow line or the detector manifold.